Hey, it’s Dr. Jake Berman!
How are you sleeping?
Good? Okay? Not sure?
If you’re having trouble sleeping, the culprit may be your sleeping position! The way you arrange your body in bed plays a major role in the quality—or lack thereof—of your sleep!
There are three main sleeping positions: back sleeping, side sleeping, and stomach sleeping.
STOMACH SLEEPERS
If you’re a stomach sleeper, stop it right now! Stomach sleepers are extremely susceptible to neck pain, strained shoulder muscles, and even strokes! Break the habit starting tonight.
SIDE SLEEPERS
Side sleepers are at risk of neck, back, and knee pain, but there’s a way to sleep in this position safely. Find three thick pillows—you’ll need one for under your head, one to slide between your knees, and one to settle between your arms, as if you’re giving it a hug. These pillows serve to keep your body in alignment, taking stress off your neck, your shoulders, and your pelvis. Remember, the pillows should be thick—an old, compressed pillow won’t be useful here.
BACK SLEEPERS
Back sleepers, a thinner pillow under your head is okay for you—BUT you should still use a thicker pillow under your thighs. Lying in this position will take a lot of stress off your lower back. Make sure the pillow stays under your thighs, NOT your knees.
By utilizing three pillows as a side sleeper and two pillows as a back sleeper, you are putting your body in a more neutral position which allows muscles to actually relax. When muscles relax, your brain can relax. When your brain relaxes, you get a much better night of sleep. Better sleep equals better productivity the next day.
Try this out and let me know if it helps at all. I love getting your responses!
That’s all for this time! Stay tuned for next week’s blog!
